Baba's nephews, Sohrab and Rustom, used to perform skits for Baba occasionally. Beheram's servant, Narya, would at times take part. Narya would be sent to Guruprasad practically daily on some errand or the other. He would stutter, and when Baba would ask him his name, he would utter, "Na-na-na-narya!" Baba took great delight in this, and each time Narya came, he would ask him the same question and always enjoyed his reply. Baba's questions had their effect, because after Baba dropped his body, Narya completely stopped stuttering.
There were always music programs at Guruprasad during the darshans, mostly performed by the Poona bhajan group. In addition, other singing groups from different centers throughout India were called to perform for Baba. From Bhopal, Nafde's children had a chance to sing before Baba once, as did Pophali Pleader's son, Shriram. A devotee from Nagpur named Vaman Nathuji Naik also sang before Baba. On 4 May, Nene's and Siganporia's daughters were asked to sing. And then for fun: Dr. Deshmukh!
Once, during a recital, Baba asked someone whose eyes were drooping, "Are you sleeping or awake?"
Startled, the man replied, "I am awake."
"Whether you sleep or remain awake," Baba remarked, "you are only dreaming! You can only be called awake when you see me as I really am! But no one can see me as I am until I open myself to him."
Baba quoted these words of Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita in relation to his Avataric state:
I have placed myself under the veil of maya and so, although I am the Effulgence, all cannot see me as I am.
Baba then quoted this line from Hafiz:
The emperors and the angels stand in adoration with hands folded at the feet of the Real Dervish.
The editor of the Marathi newspaper Sahyadri , Anantrao Vithal Patil, had come for Baba's darshan several times, and on Friday, 6 May 1960, Baba paid a visit to his office.1
The following day, Baba approved the draft of a circular, stating that he would be leaving Poona for Meherazad on 20 June, and that from the 10th of June he would stop giving darshan and not be available to visitors until the end of 1960.
The circular read:
From July 1st till the end of the year, Baba will remain completely secluded at Meherazad. During that period of six months, except for those whom he will call expressly for some work, no one should visit him or express a desire to do so.
No one should correspond with Baba till the end of the year. Only in case of emergency, a reply prepaid
cable direct to Baba is permitted. However, necessary correspondence other than with Baba may continue as usual.
Footnotes
- 1.Baba had visited the office in 1959 also.